The Kingdom of Antigua and Barbuda has recently announced a plan to further liberalise its cannabis regulations, according to statements by the Ministry of Commerce and the local producers’ association. The intention behind the draft bill is to create a more favourable legal environment for cultivators in order to increase the national revenue generated from the cultivation and sale of cannabis products. The government’s stance reflects a broader trend across the Caribbean that seeks to bolster income streams in a small island economy that has traditionally relied on tourism and traditional agriculture.

_Both Antigua and Jamaica have noted that less restrictive laws are associated with higher production volumes and tighter regulation that can limit black market activity, boosting tax collection and improving product safety. Producers across the region report that a low regulatory threshold can lead to more investment in cultivation technology and a higher standard of quality control. Accordingly, the projected increase in licensing fees and product taxes could contribute significantly to public budgets over the next decade. The review of the draft legislation included stakeholder consultations from the agricultural sector, legal firms, and non‑governmental organizations, focusing on the balance between industrial benefits and social responsibilities. Their recommendations collectively suggest a phased introduction of licensing categories and a monitored market to ensure product compliance.

The proposed changes are scheduled to be debated in Parliament later this year, with the expectation that the revamped framework will align with international best practices for regulated markets. The legislative process will also incorporate measures for transparency, such as mandatory reporting on cultivation volumes and sales figures. If enacted, the reforms will place Antigua among a growing list of Caribbean jurisdictions that are leveraging cannabis policies to diversify their economies. The government’s goal is to secure a sustainable, legal income from agriculture while maintaining social oversight and national security. The initiative also aims to position the island as a regional hub for safe, regulated cannabis products, benefiting trade partnerships within the Western Hemisphere and beyond.